September 26, 2005 Source: University of Regina:
http://www.uregina.ca/news/releases/2005/september/26.html Ethics versus humanitarian intervention Release: September 26, 2005
Contact: Jim Duggleby, External Relations
E-mail: James.Duggleby@uregina.ca
Phone: (306) 585.5439
Mobile: (306) 536.4312
Fax: (306) 585.4997 Ethics versus humanitarian intervention Respect for state sovereignty has long been seen as one of the fundamental principles of international law. However, in recent times, we have seen the frequent collision between the principle of sovereignty and the moral imperative to help people's suffering in major crises. This week's Coffee House Controversies talk will consider what criteria can justify intervention into the internal affaires of a sovereign state. The informal talk will take place beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 29 at Chapters Bookstore behind the Southland Mall (2625 Gordon Road). Political science professor Lee Ward will examine the moral, ethical, and political debates surrounding the controversial topic of humanitarian intervention. Is the principle of inviolable state sovereignty morally justifiable? Or does the international community have an obligation to intervene in humanitarian crises in order to protect the innocent and punish wrongdoers? What, if any, moral, legal, and ethical criteria can justify intervention into the internal affairs of a sovereign state? Coffee House Controversies is a series of informal lectures on controversial topics, presented by the University of Regina's Faculty of Arts. Admission to the talks is free and participants are encouraged to ask questions or raise issues with the speaker or other audience members. For more information, contact Milagros Charriez at 585-4226. -30-
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